Sexuality, Sexual Health And Ageing

by Gott, Merryn

• ISBN13: 9780335210190
• ISBN10: 0335210198
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-12-01
• Publisher: Open University Press

Summary

What factors underpin dominant understandings of later life sexuality? How do older people experience and prioritise sexuality and sexual health? What sexual health issues are relevant to older people and how are these addressed by health care professionals? This is the first book to integrate theoretical insights into sexuality, sexual health and ageing, with research findings from studies conducted with older people and the professionals that work with them. The book is split into three sections. In the first section stereotypes that typify contemporary understandings of sexuality and ageing are explored, particularly the 'myth of asexual old age' and the more recent stereotype of the 'sexy oldie'. Section two identifies what we actually know about ageing and sexuality by reviewing current literature, as well as presenting findings from one of the first qualitative studies to explore sexuality from the perspective of older people themselves. The final section of the book explores what 'sexual health' means within the context of ageing and focuses on issues relevant to health professionals working with older people. Sexuality, Sexual Health and Ageing provides key reading for students, researchers, practitioners and policymakers working within gerontology, sociology, psychology, social work, health sciences, nursing and medicine. This book is likely to become essential reading for all academics and professionals working with older people or in the area of sexual health.

Author Biography

Merryn Gott is a lecturer in Gerontology at the Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, University of Sheffield.

Table of Contents

Series editor's preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction

Part one: Exploring contemporary understandings of sexuality and ageing
Why are sexuality and old age incompatible? Unpicking the myth of the 'asexual old age'
The 'sexy oldie'. The creation of new myths about sexuality and ageing

Part two: Focusing upon older peoples experiences of sexuality and ageing
What do we know about sexuality and ageing? A new look at the literature
How important is sex to older people?
Diversity and later life sexuality

Part three: Sexual health, sexual problems and ageing
Sexual risk-taking and sexually transmitted infections in later life
Sexual 'dysfunctions' and ageing
Health professionals' views on later life sexuality and sexual health
Conclusion

References
Index